Major traffic back-up on Norbeck Road 10/03/2011

Not Norbeck pictured here, but traffic was backed-up in both directions

My mother just e-mailed me her observations that there was a major traffic back-up on Norbeck Road this morning 10/03/2011. 

She could see sirens flashing at the top of the hill near the entrance to the Norbeck Animal Clinic.

She could not tell if the flashing sirens were for a routine traffic stop or a vehicular collision. 

She reported that traffic was backed up on the southbound and northbound lanes and none of the vehicles could get past the flashing sirens at the top of the hill in either lane.

If Norbeck Road were wider with ample shoulders, bike lanes, and pedestrian-bike paths, then vehicle traffic would be less hindered and probably be able to flow more easily.

And those who were trying to reach the bus stops on Wintergate Crossing and the bus pick-ups at the Norbeck Kiss-and-Ride bus lot probably missed their buses due to the major traffic back-up.

It's frustrating that a traffic stop by a police officer or a fender-bender or even a flat tire can cause major gridlock on the road.  That costs drivers time, money, and wasted gas.

It's time to get Norbeck Road upgraded with ample shoulders, bike lanes, and shared pedestrian-bike paths on both sides.  And it'd be nice if the road were widened to four travel lanes with a raised safety median between north and southbound travel lanes.  But such a project could be a long way off. 

That's why I'm advocating for sidewalks and shared-use pedestrian-bicycle paths because those can be installed relatively quickly and more affordably with a lasting improvement on roadway safety.

After all, we don't want people walking or biking in the road, which can cause vehicular accidents if drivers have to suddenly slow down, slam on their brakes, or cross the double yellow-line to swerve around.

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below or e-mail me at norbeckroad@gmail.com